Lack of help for problem gamblers in Sweden

29-10-2011

The National Institute for Public Health revealed that Swedish authorities fail to provide enough support for gambling addicts. Almost 200,000 Swedes have some form of problem gambling, according to a recent study. The state agency (Folkhälsoinstitutet) criticizes Swedish municipalities for not offering enough resources for problem gamblers.

Alarming situation

Folkhälsoinstitutet stated that around 50 local authorities fail to offer any treatment for gambling addicts. "The situation is alarming for both problem gamblers and those who live with gambling addicts," according to Marie Risbäck, speaking on behalf of the state agency.

Prevalent among young men

Problem gambling occurs more frequently among young men aged between 18 – 24. Estimations show that one in ten have some kind of gambling problem. They have lost more than $2.5 billion after gambling at Svenska Spel, ATG and other Swedish-based gambling companies.

National approach

Around 40 local authorities failed to provide help for gambling addicts, figures revealed three years ago. A new study shows that even less help is available for compulsive gamblers. Folkhälsoinstitutet stated that authorities refuse to take responsibility. For that reason, the Public Health Institute opts for a national approach to address compulsive gambling. In addition, it calls for improved rules on gambling publicity and more resources to deal with the issues.